European Alterations and Tailoring owner Yolanda Van began studying the art of sewing and creating "Western" apparel at the age of twelve. By the age of fourteen, she graduated from the Nam Duong Sewing School, where she studied another year before becoming a teacher's assistant. She later taught the skills and techniques of sewing and apparel creation to other students at the school.

In 1979, Yolanda came to America and began working with several alteration shops around Atlanta, gaining additional skills and experience. Since 1988, Yolanda has been the owner and operator of European Alterations and Tailoring. All tailors at European Alterations and Tailoring have had their own previous experience with sewing, along with additional training from Yolanda.